China gov't thank Biya for effort in the release of hostages

Mr. Hong Lei, one of the three spokespersons of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, usually wear a serious face at daily press conference in Beijing but yesterday, Monday, October 13, 2014, he gave a slight smile when Cameroon Tribune raised the issue about the release of the hostages last Saturday.

"The Chinese Government expressed his appreciation via delegate for the efforts made by the Cameroonian Government in the release of the 10 Chinese workers who were held hostage since last May," he noted.

He continued by praising the tact by president Paul Biya in the handling of this file. And on the question of an American reporter who wondered what ransom the Chinese Government would have paid to take back his people, the answer given was all too clear, "I have no information that could match words" was his response.

No disrespect to the passage to clarify that "China is against any form of terrorism, especially when it comes to kidnapping of civilians. The diplomat reaffirmed the support from his Government and Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram.

At the end of the question and answer session with the accredited international press, Mr. Hong Lei revealed to Cameroon Tribune that the Chinese Embassy in Yaoundé and the employer of 10 ex-hostages are taking steps to ensure that the latter receive appropriate care. They are said to be recovering from the shock and ordeal they went through.